Water is a great way to beat the heat, but summer is also when children are most likely to drown. With the Fourth of July weekend upon us, keeping our children safe, especially from drowning, should be at the top of everyone's list. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) urges parents to create a plan that will allow their children to be supervised when they are around any body of water, inside or outside the home.

37 children have drowned in Texas this year. 74% of those victims are under the age of five. June has been the deadliest month for drownings in 2021 with 14 confirmed reports, an increase from the 11 confirmed reports in May.

Our webpage www.watchkidsaroundwater.org has several interactive links and informational resources related to child water safety.

Child Water Safety Tips

Always Supervise!

• A responsible adult should always supervise children in or around water. Keep new swimmers and non-swimmers within arm’s reach.
• Make sure the adult knows CPR and has a phone to dial 9-1-1.
• Have floatation devices available to use in a rescue (ones that can reach and float).
• Drowning is quick and quiet. The adult should be undistracted at all times.
• Share rules with anyone who may watch your child.

Teach Water Survival Skills

Sign up your child for swim lessons. Make sure they are taught to:

• Return to the surface if they fall in over their head.
• Float or tread water.
• Turn in a circle in the water and look for an exit.
• Swim 25 yards (75 feet).
• Get out of the pool without using the ladder.

Inside the House

• Never leave small children alone near any container of water, including tubs, buckets, toilets or aquariums. Drain buckets and baths when done. A child can drown in as little as 2 inches of water.
• Keep bathroom doors closed and secure toilet lids with locks.
• Never leave young children alone in or around the bath. Drownings can happen in even tiny amounts of water.
• Get what you need before filling the tub. If you need to leave the room, take the child with you.
• Make sure children cannot leave the house to get to pools or hot tubs.

Outside the House

• Never leave children alone in or around water (pools, kiddie pools, lakes, creeks, buckets, beaches, ponds or drainage ditches).
• Constantly watch children when swimming or playing near water. They need a certified lifeguard or responsible adult within reach.
• When pool is in use, completely remove pool covers and cleaning machines.
• Secure the area around the pool with a fence, self-closing gate and alarms.
• Find out if your child's friends or neighbors have pools at their homes.